Wind-powered commute - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Tango Charlie · 03-24-2009, 07:29 PM

The wind was howlin' on the way home today. Out of the southeast, which is kinda different. On the first third of my commute home, I was cruisin' at 60 mph, 28% load, 48 mpg. Zowie! So this is what it's like to drive the AeroCivic... Only one stoplight in ten miles. Had a Grand Prix try to take up residence in my tailpipe as I rolled up to the light at 50mph in a 45 zone.
Heading north for the remaining 2/3 of my commute, I let the wind push my glides way beyond normal. Cranked up Audio Adrenaline and steered with a knee as I did the hand clap, double index point, hand clap, double index point at Amish buggies and bike riders as I EOC'd past 'em. Ha ha! I was thoroughly enjoying myself! Dang, it's been a long, hard winter!
Rolled into the garage with a 45.4 current trip on the SGII, my highest ever.
Yeee Haaaw! Wish I could do that every day!

Daox · 03-24-2009, 07:43 PM

Wooo, very nice Terry! Must mean its time for more aeromods huh?

wagonman76 · 03-24-2009, 07:53 PM

Cool, sounds like fun. Yeah I've noticed the last two days the wind has been from the southeast here too. Which is odd because it is almost always coming from the west off Lake Michigan. Today it was about 30 mph and the drive home (all east and south) was tough but I still managed 33 mpg.

Tango Charlie · 03-25-2009, 09:16 AM

In this instance, I'm lucky that I work southeast of where I live. The wind hasn't been too bad in the morning, and then I get to exploit it on the way home. But you're right, prevailing winds are out of the west/northwest off of the Lake.
Doax, you hit the nail on the head. I am definitely itchin' to start aeromodding! My goal is to cruise at 60 mph at 30% load, which should net me at least 40 mpg.

(woo hoo, 600th post!)

MetroMPG · 03-25-2009, 09:27 AM

Gotta love wicked tailwinds!

I still remember the first time I was able to cruise at 50 mph in one, getting over 70 mpg (US) / 3.4 L/100 km.

Daox · 03-25-2009, 10:37 AM

So, what is the next mod for Olivia?

Funny · 03-25-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

Cranked up Audio Adrenaline and steered with a knee as I did the hand clap, double index point, hand clap, double index point at Amish buggies and bike riders as I EOC'd past 'em. Ha ha! I was thoroughly enjoying myself! Dang, it's been a long, hard winter!
Rolled into the garage with a 45.4 current trip on the SGII, my highest ever.
Yeee Haaaw! Wish I could do that every day!

I laughed so hard at this, I dropped my lunch on the floor. It has to be spring again, almost all the threads, and attitudes for that matter, are positive!

Long Live High Mileage!!!

Tango Charlie · 03-25-2009, 12:37 PM

Expect to see a full belly panel first. Followed with interwheel strakes/fences. Possibly a mirror delete. I'd really like to get rid of the roof rack rails. I'm thinking low-profile wood cover plates, 'cause wood is easy to work.

And then I keep having 'kammback' rolling around in the back of my mind...